Chinese mainland reiterates no interference in Taiwan election

BEIJING -- A mainland spokesman reiterated on Wednesday that the Chinese mainland will not get involved in Taiwan's leadership election in 2016.

Ma Xiaoguang, spokesman for the State Council Taiwan Affairs Office, told a press conference that the mainland welcomed all parties and individuals that oppose Taiwan independence, adhere to the "1992 Consensus", and believe in peaceful development of cross-Strait ties.

Ma made the remarks when asked to comment on the Kuomintang (KMT) party's nominee Hung Hsiu-chu.

Hung, deputy head of the island's legislature, will become the KMT candidate if confirmed by a convention of KMT delegates next month.

The opposition Democratic Progressive Party has endorsed the candidacy of its chairwoman Tsai Ing-wen for the 2016 election.